Scans reveal the length of time Coutinho will be out for

Philippe Coutinho will be sidelined for up to six weeks after scans revealed the full extent of the ankle injury sustained in a clash with Didier Ndong.

This is Anfield reports that Coutinho will be out for five to six weeks after scans showed that the heavy coming-together between the Brazilian and Ndong damaged ligaments in Coutinho’s right ankle.

When Liverpool’s number 10 was carried off the pitch on a stretcher with his leg in a brace, expectations were that ligaments were severely damaged or he’d broken his leg. Klopp’s post-match press conference indicated that it wasn’t a leg break but that there was still some serious damage.

With Sadio Mane jetting off in January for the African Cup of Nations, Liverpool’s exceptional front three of Coutinho, Firmino and Mane won’t be seen untile February as Coutinho will miss the entirety of the congested festive period.

As Coutinho is Liverpool’s best player, there will need to be an increase in effort and concentration from each player that is sent out to do a job. Coutinho’s injury heightens the likelihood of Jurgen Klopp making a move for an attacker in the January transfer window to ensure that there is enough depth in attack to see out the season.

Divock Origi has already shown his readiness to take the chances he’s given, so once Daniel Sturridge returns to fitness, he will need to be just as ready to fill any role he’s given and who knows? He could find himself in favour by the time Coutinho returns from injury and Mane makes his way back from the AFCON.

Just like you, I am a hugely passionate Liverpool supporter. I started Rousing the Kop in January 2015 and since then it has grown tremendously and has even been nominated as 'Best New Football Blog' in the Football Blogging Awards.